Sony Computer Entertainment

Hirai is the president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, the division of the consumer electronics giant that makes its PlayStation game systems and software. He took over the top job for Sony’s PlayStation business in 2007, when he replaced Ken Kutaragi, the game system’s legendary “father.” Previously, Hirai was the CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, the North American branch of the PlayStation business.

In other words, Hirai is in charge of Sony’s games business, now overall, and formerly just in North America. Given that, one might think that the big bosses up at Sony wouldn’t be so happy with Hirai.

When Afrika was first shown a couple of years back, it promised an unrivaled sense of realism. One of the selling points, it seemed, was that the game was indistinguishable from real safari. Now that the game is out in Japan, the Wall Street Journal wonders if folks will be drawn to a game of observation.

Yep, this isn’t a title about hunting animals or saving the world from man-eating lions. It’s a game of watching animls and taking pictures and little else, according to Yukrai Iwatani Kane. Will that sell a game on a console with a hardcore audience? I’m all for different experiences so I’m hoping that it will. I’m sure hoping that Sony releases this PlayStation Network title in the States soon.